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Across 190 countries and territories, we work for every child, everywhere, every day, to build a better world for everyone. 

And we never give up. 

For every child, Health

The fundamental mission of UNICEF is to promote the rights of every child, everywhere, in everything the organization does — in programs, advocacy, and operations. The equity strategy, emphasizing the most disadvantaged and excluded children and families, translates this commitment to children’s rights into action. For UNICEF, equity means that all children have an opportunity to survive, develop and reach their full potential, without discrimination, bias or favoritism. To the degree that any child has an unequal chance in life — in its social, political, economic, civic and cultural dimensions — her or his rights are violated. There is growing evidence that investing in the health, education and protection of a society’s most disadvantaged citizens — addressing inequity — not only will give all children the opportunity to fulfill their potential but also will lead to sustained growth and stability of countries. This is why the focus on equity is so vital. It accelerates progress towards realizing the human rights of all children, which is the universal mandate of UNICEF, as outlined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, while also supporting the equitable development of nations.

The first HIV case in Tajikistan was registered in 1991. The same year, the Republican AIDS center was established within Ministry of Health of RT with its branches at all oblast centers. Currently Antiretroviral medications (ARVs) are provided for People Living with HIV in 38 AIDS control centers (republican, oblast, city and district), as well as in the infectious disease department for People Living with HIV, in the city infectious diseases treatment hospital in Dushanbe.

According to Republican AIDS center, currently in Tajikistan, an estimated number of people living with HIV is 15,213 people. The actual number of people living with HIV as of the end of March 2025 is 12,677; 11,481 are on treatment in different levels of healthcare facilities. As of the end of March 2025, 1,016 children below 18 are living with HIV, 1,004 (98,8 per cent) are on ARV treatment with 916 cases of efficient outcomes. The share of mother-to-child transmission of HIV among all new HIV cases in 2024 was 3.7%.
From 2008 the country started testing of pregnant women for HIV in 18 pilot districts through antenatal care service. In 2010 the testing for pregnant women was expanded across the country along with the provision of support in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Early Infant Diagnosis was introduced in 2014 and a year later the country started the provision of a full package of PMTCT services through antenatal care service.

The government of Tajikistan has prioritized the PMTCT of HIV by providing approximately 230,000 HIV tests among pregnant women each year. There is a Government of Tajikistan policy in place for mandatory testing of pregnant women for HIV at first ANC visit and a second test during 28 and 30 weeks of gestation. Despite the existence of this policy, availability of Rapid test kits is not always assured, and it is not certain that pregnant women are routinely offered HIV testing as part of the ANC services: budget for HIV testing is held at the provincial level and some provinces don’t have enough financial resources to provide HIV testing for all pregnant women during the prenatal care period. According to the 2023 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) sixty percent of women who gave birth in the 2 years preceding the survey had an HIV test during antenatal care (ANC) and received the test results. Seventy percent of women were tested for HIV during either ANC or labor and received the results. Still gaps have been noted in the quality of HIV testing and counselling services provided for pregnant and particularly those who live in remote.

Tajikistan reported a congenital syphilis case rate of 2.9 per 100,000 live births in 2017 (eight cases), and zero cases in 2018 and 2019. However, only about 79.7% of pregnant women were tested for syphilis during antenatal care in those years, which is below the World Health Organization (WHO) target of 95% testing coverage for elimination of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of syphilis (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10283482/). Congenital syphilis cases have been reported sporadically, and routine data reporting on testing coverage remains incomplete.

Focused programs on immunization over decades led to Tajikistan consistently displaying excellent self-reported coverage for hepatitis B childhood immunization, including hepatitis B birth-dose (99% in 2023) and third dose (96% in 2023). However, increasing vaccine hesitancy in the aftermath of COVID-19 pandemic risk sustaining the gains. HBsAg sero-prevalence in children under 5 years in Tajikistan was 0.18% (latest available data (Ibid)). Official data indicates only 6.3% of people living with HBV infection have been diagnosed, and only 14.9% of those diagnosed have been treated. Actions to simplify service delivery, address out-of-pocket payments to increase diagnosis, treatment and care coverage are much needed (Country data for the Global hepatitis reporting 2023).
In 2017 up to now, UNICEF is assisting the MoHSP to strengthen the national response to eliminate mother to child HIV, by setting out the responsibilities of various institutions involved in horizontal cooperation (MoHSP, Reproductive Health centres, PHC services, Maternity Houses and AIDS centres), making the HIV testing algorithm more cost-effective, introducing SOPs for PHCs to procure HIV test kits, revising monitoring indicators, and approving a new clinical protocol with lifelong treatment (LLT) for all pregnant women living with HIV as well as investing in capacities of health managers to facilitate treatment of HIV positive mothers to mitigate vertical transmission. UNICEF is one of the major partners of the MoHSP in immunization.

How can you make a difference? 

Duration: 60 working days between May - September 2025
Supervisor: Health Specialist, UNICEF Tajikistan

In the framework of the technical assistance of UNICEF to governmental partners, UNICEF Health and Nutrition section committed to support the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Population of the Republic of Tajikistan in elimination of mother to child transmission of HIV, hepatitis and syphilis.

Globally, significant progress has been made in the elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of HIV, with a dramatic decline in new HIV infections among children. Since the introduction of the Global Plan towards the Elimination of New HIV Infections among Children in 2011, increased access to prevention services and antiretroviral therapy (ART) for pregnant women has been pivotal. Since the start of prevention of mother-to-child transmission programmes, 1.9million deaths and 4 million HIV infections have been averted among pregnant women and children. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, and progress has not been fast enough to meet the 2025 targets set by UNAIDS1.

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current program aimed at prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, hepatitis and syphilis in Tajikistan. The assessment will identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement to enhance the effectiveness of the program and ensure alignment with international best practices.

The detailed TOR with concrete deliverables and timeline is at the following link  TOR_int. consultancy_eMTCT.docx

To qualify as an advocate for every child you will have… 

• Education: Advanced university degree in health, Public Health or another relevant field. PhD is an advantage.
• Strong international experience with understanding of the HIV, AIDS M&E system including the surveillance system for prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and Hepatitis and Syphilis.
• Familiarity with triple elimination process or experience being a part of elimination process (experience in preparing for and undergoing the EMTCT validation process or experience in conducting such validation).
• Excellent knowledge and skills in research (qualitative as well as quantitative) methods with strong analytical and report writing skills. Proven experience in conducting and/or managing HIV related research and studies, including EMTCT.
• Experience working with government organizations, especially with the MoH, and related institutions dealing with HIV/AIDS programme, major public health programs and key population network and other vulnerable populations.
• Previous working experience with UNICEF/UNs in PMTCT of HIV, hepatitis and syphilis, validation process is an asset.
• Practical experience on having undertaken similar assignments.
• Skills: Strong analytical and conceptual thinking. Excellent writing skills, including the experience in preparation of reports, analytical references. Excellent communication and presentation skills with stakeholders and the ability to work under pressure and commitment to work to a tight timeframe.
• Language knowledge: Good command of written English. Working knowledge and communication in Russian language will be an asset.

Qualified candidates are requested to submit:

• CV and cover letter.
• Technical proposal describing approach/methodology to achieve the tasks of the TOR, workplan with concrete timeframes
• Financial proposal in USD-all inclusive, indicting fee per day and cost of the travel (Annex 3 to be completed). Annex 3 at the link 
• At least 2 papers / concept notes previously developed by the candidate or when candidate provided substantial inputs to the documents.
• Applications without technical and financial proposals will not be considered.

Applications must be received in the system by 20 May 2025 on UNICEF website.

For every Child, you demonstrate… 

UNICEF's values of Care, Respect, Integrity, Trust, Accountability, and Sustainability (CRITAS). 

To view our competency framework, please visit  here. 

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages all candidates, irrespective of gender, nationality, religious or ethnic background, and persons with disabilities, to apply to become a part of the organization. To create a more inclusive workplace, UNICEF offers paid parental leave, breastfeeding breaks, and reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities. UNICEF strongly encourages the use of flexible working arrangements. Click here to learn more about flexible work arrangements, well-being, and benefits.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), persons with disabilities include those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others. In its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy 2022-2030, UNICEF has committed to increase the number of employees with disabilities by 2030. At UNICEF, we provide reasonable accommodation for work-related support requirements of candidates and employees with disabilities. Also, UNICEF has launched a Global Accessibility Helpdesk to strengthen physical and digital accessibility. If you are an applicant with a disability who needs digital accessibility support in completing the online application, please submit your request through the accessibility email button on the UNICEF Careers webpage Accessibility | UNICEF.

UNICEF does not hire candidates who are married to children (persons under 18). UNICEF has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and UNICEF, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities. UNICEF is committed to promote the protection and safeguarding of all children. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles. Background checks will include the verification of academic credential(s) and employment history. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional information to conduct a background check, and selected candidates with disabilities may be requested to submit supporting documentation in relation to their disability confidentially.

Remarks:  

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process. 

Individuals engaged under a consultancy or individual contract will not be considered “staff members” under the Staff Regulations and Rules of the United Nations and UNICEF’s policies and procedures, and will not be entitled to benefits provided therein (such as leave entitlements and medical insurance coverage). Their conditions of service will be governed by their contract and the General Conditions of Contracts for the Services of Consultants and Individual Contractors. Consultants and individual contractors are responsible for determining their tax liabilities and for the payment of any taxes and/or duties, in accordance with local or other applicable laws. 

The selected candidate is solely responsible to ensure that the visa (applicable) and health insurance required to perform the duties of the contract are valid for the entire period of the contract. Selected candidates are subject to confirmation of fully-vaccinated status against SARS-CoV-2 (Covid-19) with a World Health Organization (WHO)-endorsed vaccine, which must be met prior to taking up the assignment. It does not apply to consultants who will work remotely and are not expected to work on or visit UNICEF premises, programme delivery locations or directly interact with communities UNICEF works with, nor to travel to perform functions for UNICEF for the duration of their consultancy contracts.